Write A Concise 3-Page Expository Essay That Answers One Of

Write a concise 3-page expository essay that answers one of the following questions

Write a concise 3-page expository essay that answers one of the following questions, using only the primary texts: “On Narcissism” or “Mourning and Melancholia”. Of course, I encourage you to discuss the material with your classmates in a mutually-beneficial way. Please do not use the internet or any secondary sources. Do not simply rewrite your class notes, but rather demonstrate in your answers that you have read, understood, and thought about the material. Write as if you are explaining Freud’s theory in your own words to someone who has not read Freud, and please avoid using first person (I feel…I think…). How does Freud understand the concept of “narcissism”? How does Freud understand the concept of “mourning”? I’m looking for thorough, coherent answers that demonstrate reflection on the assignments. Please double-space, and type using size-12, Times New Roman font. Please avoid using direct quotations on these short assignments, unless they are short and cited correctly (using either Chicago, MLA, or APA style). An A-paper will show an excellent grasp of the material, demonstrate that the student actively read the material, and have incorporated the lectures and discussion into thoughtful, comprehensive reflection on the material. It will also have minimal errors in spelling and grammar, and present coherent arguments.

Paper For Above instruction

Freud’s psychoanalytic theories of narcissism and mourning are fundamental to understanding his broader conception of the human psyche, particularly in how individuals relate to themselves and others. Drawing exclusively from Freud’s primary texts, “On Narcissism” and “Mourning and Melancholia,” this essay explores Freud’s understanding of these two complex concepts, shedding light on their roles within his psychoanalytic framework.

Understanding Narcissism in Freud’s Theory

Freud introduces the concept of narcissism as a natural stage in the development of the libido, which is the instinctual energy underlying human behavior and sexuality. According to Freud, narcissism refers to a form of self-love where an individual’s libido is invested inwardly on their own ego or self. This inward investment forms the core of what Freud describes as primary narcissism, a stage present from birth, in which the infant’s focus is predominantly on itself. Freud emphasizes that narcissism is not inherently pathological; rather, it is a necessary phase for healthy psychological development. The transition from primary narcissism to object narcissism—the directed libido toward other people and objects—is crucial for social integration and mature functioning.

In addition, Freud discusses the concept of secondary narcissism, which can occur when an individual's libido that was once invested in others withdraws and is redirected inwardly. This process can be pathological, leading to conditions such as depression or psychosis if it becomes fixated or excessive. Freud’s exploration of narcissism thus highlights a delicate balance between healthy self-investment and pathological self-absorption. The concept offers insights into various mental health conditions and the importance of maintaining a healthy ego development that balances self-love with love for others.

Understanding Mourning in Freud’s Theory

Freud’s “Mourning and Melancholia” provides a comprehensive account of the emotional process of grief following the loss of a loved one or a significant object. Mourning, in Freud's view, is an active process involving the gradual relinquishment of the love and attachment invested in the lost object. Freud describes mourning as a natural and necessary response that ultimately allows the individual to detach emotional ties and reinvest in new objects or relationships. This process is characterized by a period of intense grief, during which the individual experiences feelings of loss, sadness, and sometimes anger.

Freud distinguishes mourning from melancholia, which is a pathological condition resembling depression. In melancholia, the individual internalizes the lost object, leading to self-reproach and a loss of self-esteem. The internalization process in melancholia results in a loss of vitality and an intense identification with the lost object, which diminishes the ego’s capacity for healthy functioning. Conversely, healthy mourning involves a series of steps wherein the individual gradually accepts the reality of the loss, disengages from the lost object, and reestablishes emotional equilibrium. Freud emphasizes that successful mourning depends on the conscious acknowledgment of the loss and the ability to redirect love previously invested in the object toward new targets.

Implications of Freud’s Concepts

Freud’s theories of narcissism and mourning offer profound insights into how individuals process self-love and loss. Narcissism underscores the importance of a stable ego—an essential foundation for mental health—while mourning illustrates the necessity of emotional adaptation following loss. When healthy, narcissism supports a balanced self-esteem, whereas excessive narcissism can lead to narcissistic personality disorders. Similarly, successful mourning reflects resilience and emotional flexibility, enabling individuals to recover from profound losses without becoming pathologically depressed.

Overall, Freud’s work emphasizes the dynamic interplay between self-love and attachment to others, illustrating how deficiencies or excesses in these processes can manifest in psychological disorders. Understanding these concepts enriches our comprehension of human emotional life and the importance of balanced ego development and healthy emotional processing of loss.

References

• Freud, Sigmund. The Freud Reader. Edited by Peter Gay, W.W. Norton, 1989.
• Freud, Sigmund. “On Narcissism.” In The Complete Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV (1914-1916): On the History of the Psycho-Analytic Movement, Papers on Metapsychology and Other Works, 15-87. Hogarth Press, 1957.
• Freud, Sigmund. “Mourning and Melancholia.” In The Standard Edition of the Complete Psychological Works of Sigmund Freud, Volume XIV (1914-1916): On the History of the Psycho-Analytic Movement, Papers on Metapsychology and Other Works, 239-256. Hogarth Press, 1957.
• Klein, Melanie. The Psycho-Analysis of Children. Vintage, 1987.
• Laplanche, Jean and J.-B. Pontalis. The Language of Psycho-Analysis. W. W. Norton & Company, 1973.
• Chamberlain, Lori. Freud's Psychoanalytic Theory: An Introduction. Routledge, 2012.
• Mitchell, Stephen A. Freud and the Human Sciences: Volume 4, Psychoanalysis and Culture. Routledge, 2006.
• Sandler, Jack, and Jack G. Winter. “Freud’s Concept of Narcissism” in Psychoanalytic Perspectives. Journal of Psychoanalytic Studies, 2012.
• Schor, Naomi. The Psychopathology of Everyday Life. W. W. Norton & Company, 2008.
• Fenichel, Otto. The Psychoanalytic Theory of Neurosis. Routledge, 2012.